Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Eastern Subterranean Termites Active Even in February in South Dakota
I would not have thought that February would be an active month for termites especially in places like South Dakota. But according to this press release from South Dakota State University, termites do start becoming active indoors.
The termite type that is present in South Dakota and is the most common in the US is the Eastern subterranean termite. These termites are present in most southern states from New Mexico to Florida and include most of the northern states from South Dakota and Minnesota to New Hampshire.
Do I Have Termites?
Some signs that the Eastern subterranean termites may be present in your home include mud tubes around the foundation. Also, you might start noticing winged insects flying around. This is especially the case during this time of the year and into the spring. These could be termite swarmers also known as winged reproductives.
Here's a very good colored termite picture of the subterranean swarmer (source USDA).
If you're lucky, they may only be flying ants. Carpenter ants don't digest wood, but only use wood for nesting and shelter so they do much less damage. Here's one of the best photos that I've seen showing the difference between winged ants and winged termites. The easiest way to tell them apart is the antenna. The ants have bent antennas while the termite antennas are straight and bead-like. Also note that the termite does not have a pinched waist.
These eastern subterranean termite swarmers are typically about 3/8 of an inch size (including the wings). As we head into the spring, these swarmers will start coming out. In the north, they tend to come out without rain, but in the south the swarms typically come out after heavy rains.
The termite type that is present in South Dakota and is the most common in the US is the Eastern subterranean termite. These termites are present in most southern states from New Mexico to Florida and include most of the northern states from South Dakota and Minnesota to New Hampshire.
Do I Have Termites?
Some signs that the Eastern subterranean termites may be present in your home include mud tubes around the foundation. Also, you might start noticing winged insects flying around. This is especially the case during this time of the year and into the spring. These could be termite swarmers also known as winged reproductives.
Here's a very good colored termite picture of the subterranean swarmer (source USDA).
If you're lucky, they may only be flying ants. Carpenter ants don't digest wood, but only use wood for nesting and shelter so they do much less damage. Here's one of the best photos that I've seen showing the difference between winged ants and winged termites. The easiest way to tell them apart is the antenna. The ants have bent antennas while the termite antennas are straight and bead-like. Also note that the termite does not have a pinched waist.These eastern subterranean termite swarmers are typically about 3/8 of an inch size (including the wings). As we head into the spring, these swarmers will start coming out. In the north, they tend to come out without rain, but in the south the swarms typically come out after heavy rains.
# posted by Ken @ 4:42 PM 
